Nigeria’s financial sector is mourning the loss of one of its most influential pioneers, Chief Pascal Dozie, who passed away on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, just one day shy of his 86th birthday. The founder of the now-defunct Diamond Bank Plc died at the age of 85, leaving behind a legacy that has shaped modern banking and telecommunications in Nigeria.
Who Was Pascal Dozie?
Born on April 9, 1939, in Egbu, Owerri, Imo State, Pascal Dozie was a renowned economist, entrepreneur, and visionary leader. He founded Diamond Bank in 1990, a financial institution that grew into one of Nigeria’s top-tier banks before its merger with Access Bank in 2019.
Dozie was also the pioneer Chairman of MTN Nigeria, playing a vital role in revolutionizing the country’s telecommunications sector.
Cause of Death
While the specific cause of Pascal Dozie’s death has not been officially disclosed as of the time of this report, the news of his passing has sparked an outpouring of tributes from across the nation.
President Tinubu and Other Dignitaries Pay Tribute
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu led the national tributes, expressing heartfelt condolences to the Dozie family, the business community, and all Nigerians. In a statement released by presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu described Dozie as “a rare breed business leader” whose “wisdom, humility, and pioneering efforts laid a foundation upon which many continue to build.”
Tribute Highlights:
- Economic Pioneer: Credited with transforming banking and telecommunications in Nigeria.
- Public Service: Former Director at the Central Bank of Nigeria, President of the Nigerian Stock Exchange, and Chairman of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group.
- Mentorship and Legacy: Known for youth empowerment and shaping national economic policy.
Pascal Dozie’s Impact on Nigeria
Beyond the boardrooms, Dozie dedicated his life to nation-building, private sector development, and economic reform. His contributions earned him national and international recognition, cementing his status as one of Nigeria’s foremost business icons.
Career Milestones Table
| Achievement | Details |
|---|---|
| Founder, Diamond Bank | Established in 1990, merged with Access Bank |
| Chairman, MTN Nigeria | Pioneered mobile connectivity expansion |
| Director, CBN | Influenced monetary policy and banking reforms |
| President, NSE | Led capital market growth and reforms |
| Chair, NESG | Advised on economic strategies for national development |
A Life of Vision and Impact
Pascal Dozie’s death marks the end of an era in Nigeria’s economic evolution. His vision, leadership, and contributions to both the financial services and telecommunications sectors will continue to inspire generations to come.
As President Tinubu stated, the best way to honour Dozie’s legacy is to uphold the values he lived by: integrity, innovation, and a deep belief in Nigeria’s potential.
